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Rising Tensions Leave Ships Stranded in Key Oil Passage

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz ⁠was closed for a fourth day on Tuesday, choking off a key artery accounting for about 20% of global oil and gas supply. Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, has raised urgent concerns over an increasingly alarming situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where dozens of vessels remain stranded amid escalating conflict involving Iran. He emphasized the need to safeguard global shipping and protect seafarers as the strategic waterway—responsible for roughly 20% of global oil and gas flows—remains closed for a fourth consecutive day.  The closure has disrupted international trade routes and heightened anxiety across the maritime sector. Greek authorities have urged shipowners to exercise maximum caution and avoid high‑risk zones in the wider Persian Gulf region as tensions continue to rise. The prolonged shutdown underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical instability and highlights th...

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China's Lunar New Year Travel Rush: A Record-Breaking 9 Billion Trips Expected

 

As the Lunar New Year approaches, China's annual travel rush, known as Chunyun, has kicked into high gear. This 40-day period, which began on January 14, 2025, is expected to see a record-breaking   9 billion trips. This massive movement of people is the world's largest annual migration, with most journeys made by car.

The Lunar New Year, marking the start of the Year of the Snake, falls on Wednesday, with New Year's Eve on Tuesday reserved for family gatherings and traditional fireworks displays. The travel rush will peak over the weekend, with 510 million trips by train and 90 million by air.

While the festival has traditionally been a time for families to reunite, rising prosperity has led many to travel overseas, with cross-border trips expected to rise by nearly 10%. Despite the economic challenges, the festive spirit remains strong, with temple markets and other traditional events drawing millions of visitors.

This year's extended public holiday, from January 28 to February 4, aims to boost consumer spending and support the economy. As travelers rush to their hometowns, the excitement and anticipation for the Year of the Snake celebrations are palpable.






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